Convert Metric Horsepower to Mechanical Horsepower (PS → hp)
The Pferdestärke (PS) is the metric horsepower unit used in European car marketing and engine specifications.
Metric Horsepower to Mechanical Horsepower Conversion Table
10 common values| Metric Horsepower | Mechanical Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 0.98632 hp |
| 5 PS | 4.9316 hp |
| 10 PS | 9.863201 hp |
| 50 PS | 49.316004 hp |
| 100 PS | 98.632007 hp |
| 500 PS | 493.16004 hp |
| 1,000 PS | 986.32007 hp |
| 5,000 PS | 4,931.6004 hp |
| 10,000 PS | 9,863.2007 hp |
| 50,000 PS | 49,316.004 hp |
How to Convert Metric Horsepower to Mechanical Horsepower Manually
Step by StepConverting metric horsepower to mechanical horsepower is straightforward: multiply by the conversion factor. Follow these three steps to do it by hand or in your head.
- 1Take your value in metric horsepowerStart with the number of metric horsepower (PS) you want to convert.
- 2Multiply by 0.98632The conversion factor from PS to hp is 0.98632. Multiply your value by this number.
- 3Read the result in mechanical horsepowerThe result is your value in mechanical horsepower (hp).
Formula
Multiply the value in metric horsepower by 0.98632. For the reverse direction, multiply by 1.01387.
hp = PS × 0.98632PS = hp × 1.01387Tips
Use these in everyday conversions- 1 PS = 735.5 W = 0.9863 hp.
- PS is ~1.4% smaller than mechanical hp.
- Look for "PS" in German car brochures; "ch" in French.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these- Treating PS and hp as equal — 1.4% off.
- Using PS in US markets — unfamiliar to consumers.
- Mixing PS and kW without conversion.
About Metric Horsepower and Mechanical Horsepower
What is the Metric Horsepower?
The Pferdestärke (PS), also called metric horsepower or 'cheval vapeur' (CV) in French, equals exactly 735.49875 watts — about 1.4% smaller than mechanical horsepower. Defined as the power needed to lift 75 kg by 1 meter in 1 second under standard gravity, the PS is the European traditional power unit for car engines. German, French, Italian, and Japanese car manufacturers historically rated engines in PS, and the unit persists in marketing — '300 PS' sounds slightly higher than '300 hp' to consumers. EU regulations require power to be specified primarily in kW, with PS allowed as a secondary unit. The PS relates to the watt (1 PS ≈ 735.5 W), the kilowatt (1 PS ≈ 0.7355 kW), and the mechanical horsepower (1 PS ≈ 0.9863 hp). The slight difference between PS and hp is mostly imperceptible in casual use but noticeable in precise engineering specifications.
- European car and motorcycle ratings
- Italian and German engine specs
- Some European industrial equipment
VW Golf GTI: ~245 PS = 180 kW. BMW M3: ~480 PS = 353 kW.
What is the Mechanical Horsepower?
Horsepower (hp) equals exactly 745.6998715822702 watts (mechanical horsepower) and is the American and British unit for car engines, motorcycles, motorboats, and traditional mechanical power ratings. James Watt invented the unit in the 1780s to market his steam engines: he calculated that a brewery horse could continuously turn a mill wheel at 33,000 ft·lb per minute, which became 1 horsepower. American cars typically range from 150 hp (economy) to 700 hp (sports cars), pickup trucks 250–500 hp, and large diesel trucks 400–600 hp. Outside the US, the metric horsepower (PS or CV, equal to 735.5 W — about 1.4% smaller than mechanical hp) is sometimes used. Horsepower relates to the watt (1 hp ≈ 745.7 W), the kilowatt (1 hp ≈ 0.746 kW), and the metric horsepower (1 hp ≈ 1.014 PS). Despite SI's preference for the watt, horsepower remains entrenched in automotive marketing.
- US car and motorcycle engine ratings
- Lawn mower and small engine specs
- US pump and compressor ratings
Base Ford Mustang: ~310 hp. Lawn mower: 5 hp. Average car: 150–200 hp.